Coraling Technique

Coraling Technique with Seed Beads

Skill LevelBeginner

TechniqueSeed-Beading

Time6+ hours

Learn how to create a seed bead fringe that resembles coral branches.

Coraling is an easy-to-learn beading technique that can be used in all kinds of jewelry and craft projects. Although this process is simple, it does require a little time and a lot of beads to complete Keeping consistent thread tension while you are working is essential to the look of the finished piece. Here we will show you the basic steps involved to create a coral "branch."

Step-by-Step Instructions Expand All Steps

Cut approximately 2 feet of Nymo D thread. Using a big-eye needle, string on one TOHO seed bead and then bring the needle back up through the bottom of the bead again. This creates a stopper bead so the rest of the beads don't fall off. You can use a bead stopper behind this bead as well to help keep tension on the thread as you work.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 1

Decide how long you want the strand of coral. String that length of beads onto the thread. This will be the main branch. Then string three of the accent color beads.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 2

Skipping the three accent color beads, pass the needle down through the two nearest main color beads.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 3

Pull tight to create a loop on the end.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 4

String on two main color beads and three accent color beads. Keep some tension on your thread as you work.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 5

Skip these three accent color beads and pass the needle down through the two nearest main color beads.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 6

Pull tight to make a second loop. Pass the needle down through the next four main color beads on the main branch.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 7

Add four main color beads and three accent color beads.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 8

Skipping the three accent color beads, pass the needle down through the two nearest main color beads.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 9

Add two main color beads and three accent color beads.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 10

Skip the three accent color beads and pass the needle down through the two nearest main color beads.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 11

Pass the needle down through the next two main color beads leading to the main branch.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 12

You are now back on the main branch where you started step 7. Pass the needle down through the next three main color beads. Continue to repeat steps 7 through 12 until you have reached as close to the end of the strand as you like.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 13

Once you have as many side branches as you want, pass the needle through the main branch beads and the stopper bead you started with. Bring the needle back through the stopper bead and pull tight. Use the string ends to tie a couple of knots. The ends can be strung on a needle and used to sew the strands onto whatever you like.

Seed Bead Coraling Step 14

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Nice choice! All or most of the products needed for this project are shown below with quantities. Sometimes we sell out of components and aren’t able to order more from the manufacturer (we know, it is very disappointing to us, too). Use the opportunity to mix up the design and make it yours by substituting similar products or altering the entire color scheme—it’s up to you!

Large Loop Scissors

Code TOOL-123

$4.84

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Nymo D Bobbin Turquoise

Code NYD-TQ

$2.79

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The BeadSmith 11 Short Beading Needles 12-Pack

Code NEED-10

$3.09

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The BeadSmith 5-Inch Big Eye Beading Needles 4-Pack

Code NEED-16

$3.29

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TOHO Bead Round 8/0 Yellow Lined Aqua, 2.5-Inch Tube

Code TBRD8-954

$1.49

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